More stars added to Sport Bash lineup

Matt Elliott is special guest at Belvoir Castle Cricket Trust golf day

More big names from across the sporting world have joined an all-star cricket team ahead of one of Stamford’s biggest summer events.

Matt Elliott, Martin Corry and Emily Scarratt will step up to the crease for charity at BGL Sport Bash on July 23 and 24.

Matt is a former Leicester City FC captain and famously scored twice when he captained his side to victory in the 2000 League Cup final. Martin played for both Leicester Tigers and England, representing his country 64 times. And Emily is also an international rugby star, having scored 16 points in the 2014 Rugby World Cup final to help England lift the trophy.

The event is organised by former England bowler and current Stamford Endowed Schools coach Dean Headley. He said: “The new recruits are relishing the opportunity to strap on the pads in the Twenty20 cricket match for the Matt Hampson Foundation XI versus the newly-formed Help for Heroes XI.”

The sporting stars will be joined by more famous faces on July 23, including author and TV presenter Dom Joly, actor Colin Salmon and rugby’s Rory Underwood.

The following day a PCA England Masters team will take on a Local Legends XI, with the sides yet to be revealed. Both days include plenty of free activities.

The event is now in its fourth year. Last year it raised more than £30,000, which was split between Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and the Seb Goold Trust, via the Matt Hampson Foundation.

This year the event will support Matt Hampson Foundation, Seb Goold Trust, PCA Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.

Dean has already secured financial help from a number of local businesses, including BGL Group in Peterborough, which has signed up to be the main sponsor. PS Financials is a match partner on both days.

Dean hopes this year’s event will be more streamlined than previous years, giving two great days for families.

He said: “From year to year we have learned.

“This year we are bringing in more stuff, like climbing walls and a Battle of Britain flypast. There will be more inflatables, more things for people to do.

“We have more people looking to support it. Raising £31,500 for charity last year gave the event quite a lot of profile.”

To try to increase the attendance this year Dean has lowered ticket prices. Entry to both days will now be just £17.50.

And although the cricket will be the main attraction, there is plenty to keep people busy including live music, and sporting challenges.

Further partnerships have been secured with a number of businesses and organisations in the area. Dean thanked those who have so far signed up.

For more information or to buy tickets for the event visit www.BGLsportbash.co.uk - under 5’s are free and tickets start from £7.50

Keep an eye on the Mercury in the coming weeks when we will reveal the England Masters and Local XI teams.